Dr. Weissberg studied veterinary medicine , zoology and entomology in Pretoria South Africa and has worked with exotic and domestic animals for 32 years-very knowledgeable regarding mind/body connection and believes strongly in the mind/body connection. He believes that enrichment helps maintain emotional and behavioral health which in turn balances physical health.

Debbie Winkler CABC, CPDT-KA has been providing behavior consultations & training for many domestic & exotic species for 25 years. She helped create the first national certification for professional dog trainers & is both past vice president and president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Debbie is also SATS certified, teaches and provides practical hours for animal training and behavior in MD, and also teaches animal behavior and training at Kutztown University in PA.

Since the 1950s & continuing presently, there have been numerous studies documenting the need for captive animals to have the most natural habitats designed to promote species typical & specific behaviors & the term “environmental enrichment” was coined. This has extended to include enrichment for people who are living in institutional settings like nursing homes, assisted living centers & hospice facilities & is known as the Eden Alternative

As early as 1920, non-human primate researcher, Robert Yerkeys designed & created items for his research animals to use for play & documented stress relief.In the 1940s, Dr. Hediger researched the importance of housing animals that naturally lived in social groups together for stress reduction & to increase natural behaviors to be exhibited.